NASCAR Is Not About Politics

SceneDaily is reporting that Rush Limbaugh, a conservative talk show host if you didn’t know, made some disparaging remarks about Alaska Governor, and Republican candidate for vice president, Sarah Palin that may not be well-received by NASCAR fans.

Limbaugh was quoted as saying:

We have a polarization in this country not just of conservative, liberal, Democrat, Republican. We also have a polarization in this country of elites versus average people. … The elites think they’re the smart people and they think Sarah Palin’s a hayseed hick. She may as well be on the NASCAR circuit.

In response to the comments, NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said:

Obviously, Mr. Limbaugh hasn’t spent much time with our drivers or fans. NASCAR drivers and fans represent the best of America whether they are from small towns or big cities.

After making the comments, Limbaugh sought to clarify what he meant, saying:

I don’t look at anybody as a NASCAR hick. I was simply trying to portray this is the way the Democrats and the media look at Sarah Palin and the way they look at NASCAR. Democrats look at NASCAR the way they look at pro-lifers: with contempt and condescension. And that’s all I was trying to relay. I have got nothing against NASCAR whatsoever, the people that are involved in it or anybody in this country for that matter in that regard.

Now, if you take out the fact that this is Rush Limbaugh we’re talking about, and just read what he actually said, he’s right. He was expressing his perception of what Democrats or elites, as it were, think of Gov. Palin.

I have no problem with that.

What I do have a problem with is his generlization that brings politics into NASCAR. I don’t think Democrats look down on NASCAR. And, I don’t think Republicans all love NASCAR. To make such a generalization is almost as ridiculous as saying all black people hate NASCAR and all white people love it.

Just plain stupid.

At the end of the day, each person has their own reason for being a fan. And I highly doubt that anyone lists political affiliation as one of them.

About the Author

Michael J Smith Michael J. Smith is a NASCAR enthusiast and blogger. In addition to founding this website, Michael is a journalist with over a decade of experience writing for prestigious media organizations.

I must, however, disagree with your first statement, as Limbaugh’s own clarification said:

“Democrats look at NASCAR the way they look at pro-lifers: with contempt and condescension.”

This may be true of some elitists, and some Democrats. I took issue with the generalization that all Democrats view NASCAR this way, which is what Limbaugh implied.

You’re right that he wasn’t saying anything disparaging about NASCAR or its fans. He was pointing to a perception that many people in this country have.

I am surprised that NASCAR fans would be offended by his comments. I don’t think they were offensive. I do think, however, that he shouldn’t have made a generalization, or should have brought politics into NASCAR.